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Interleukin Genetics Launches Inherent Health Brand of Genetic Tests Offering Clear and Personalized Insights to Wellness

Posted on: Monday, 8 June 2009, 08:00 CDT

Brand Includes New Weight Management Genetic Test that Provides Evidence-Based Guidance on Best Diet and Exercise Choices for Individuals

WALTHAM, Mass., June 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ILI) announced today the introduction of its new Inherent Health(TM) brand of genetic tests and related programs including the first-of-its-kind test for weight management that identifies an individual's genetic tendencies for weight gain and metabolism. The new Weight Management test includes personalized guidance on specific diet and exercise choices that may have highest impact on weight loss, based on the individual's genetic makeup. Available soon will also be web-based tools to help customers manage their weight. In addition to the Weight Management test, the Inherent Health brand offers customers a full suite of affordable, easy-to-use and meaningful genetic tests in heart health, bone health and nutritional needs, as well as PST(R), the periodontal disease risk assessment test. The products permit focused, personalized guidance for individuals looking for insights on specific lifestyle changes that can be made based on their genetic results to impact their health and wellness. The Inherent Health brand of genetic tests is now available online at www.inherenthealth.com.

"The interest level, usefulness and science of genetic testing have grown significantly over the past few years. We feel the launch of our Inherent Health brand of tests and programs, which focus on wellness and prevention, surpass what has become industry standard for many consumer focused genetic testing services or products," said Lewis H. Bender, CEO, Interleukin Genetics. "We believe that evidence found through multiple studies linking specific genetic variants to potential negative health outcomes, when coupled with well-packaged and meaningful guidance, can provide consumers with valuable insights to improve their present wellness and future health outcomes. This is what we strive for with the Inherent Health brand."

New-to-Market Weight Management Genetic Test

Inherent Health offers a Weight Management genetics-based program that will determine whether an individual is likely to benefit more from a low fat, low carbohydrate or balanced calorie reduced diet, and whether an individual is likely to obtain greater benefit from normal or more vigorous exercise to most efficiently lose weight. The test provides new information beyond traditional assessments to help individuals understand the genetic factors that lead to weight gain.

The Inherent Health Weight Management genetics-based program, which was developed in conjunction with leading experts in the field of genetics and nutrition, helps provide a new solution for the millions of Americans who struggle each year to find the right diet and exercise approach to help shed unwanted weight or maintain their existing weight. The product was scientifically designed using validated genetic markers involved in fat and carbohydrate absorption, metabolism and storage to provide mechanistic understanding of how the individual can best lose weight and keep it off.

Web-based tools will also offer individuals the ability to track their daily dietary nutrient percentages and exercise regimens to help them understand, follow and succeed on a genetics-based weight management program. Purchase of the Inherent Health personalized Weight Management genetic test product includes an interpretation of the genetic results from a board-certified, licensed, genetic professional and supplemental guidance on diet types and exercise intensity needed to lose weight and keep it off.

"The genes analyzed in the Inherent Health Weight Management genetic test were identified from the Obesity Gene Map Database and selected individually based on strong scientific clinical data supporting their impact on various pathways that influence body weight," said Dr. Louis Perusse, PhD, MSc, Professor and Director of the Division of Kinesiology, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Laval University, Quebec.

Dr. Perusse is an author of the Obesity Gene Map and collaborated with Interleukin Genetics to develop the Weight Management test. "This test and the related tools will be an important aid for individuals to help them manage their weight based on genetic influences."

Inherent Health Genetic Tests

In addition to the Weight Management Genetic Test, the Inherent Health suite of genetic tests include:

--Heart Health Genetic Test that identifies a person's genetic predisposition to heart attack based on inflammation. The genetic analysis identifies individuals that have a lifelong tendency to overproduce certain chemicals in the body that lead to inflammation. Overproduction of these chemicals can start a chain reaction that ultimately may lead to a heart attack.

--Nutritional Needs Genetic Test that identifies DNA variations in genes crucial to B-vitamin metabolism and the ability to manage oxidative stress. Individuals that show suboptimal results for the genes can be at increased risk for ineffective utilization of B-vitamins and potential for cell damage caused by oxidative stress.

--Bone Health Genetic Test will be available during the second half of this year and will identify whether an individual is more likely to be susceptible to spine fractures and low bone mineral density associated with osteoporosis.

--Periodontal Disease (PST(R)) Genetic Test identifies an individual's predisposition for tooth loss caused by over-expression of inflammation and subsequent risk for periodontal disease. The test is currently available through dentists.

About Interleukin Genetics

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ILI) develops and markets genetic tests that empower consumers to prevent chronic diseases of aging and assists pharmaceutical companies in the development and marketing of targeted therapeutics. The Company leverages its research, intellectual property, and biomarker development experience to facilitate the emerging personalized health market. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, MA. For more information please visit www.ilgenetics.com.

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking" statements including statements regarding the Company's ability to develop genetic tests that identify genetic variations that affect risk of heart disease, periodontal disease and osteoporosis, nutritional needs and optimal weight-loss methods, to identify nutritional and lifestyle decisions that favorably affect such conditions, to provide such information in a format tailored to the individual, and to otherwise make progress in advancing the Company's core technologies. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risk of market acceptance of the Company's products, the risk of technology and product obsolescence, delays in product development, the performance of commercial partners, the availability of adequate capital, the actions of competitors and other competitive risks, and those risks and uncertainties described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation or intention to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Interleukin Genetics, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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